Obituary for Nancy Willemin

Nancy Elizabeth Willemin of Lansing, age 66, passed away on March 20, 2025. Nancy was born to Ellen (French) Willemin of Borger, TX and Richard Willemin of Portland, MI. She was a member of St. Gerard Catholic Church in Lansing, MI.

Nancy graduated from Portland St. Patrick High School then earned a BS at Western Michigan University, followed by a Master’s in Social Work from Michigan State University. She worked 40 years in her field starting at Child and Family Services in Alpena, MI. After several years she returned to the Lansing area working at St. Vincent Catholic Family Services. Nancy then spent over 20 years at Bethany Christian in Grand Rapids and then she headed up Bethany’s Lansing Office.

She left a lasting legacy as described by a former supervisor. "Nancy was one of the most ethical, devoted, and informed child welfare workers in the Lansing area. She worked for the children, always putting their best interests ahead of all others. Nancy's knowledge of the law and regulations assured that her recommendations made on behalf of the children were acknowledged and upheld by administrators and judges, while always providing special support for the birth parents, foster parents, and adoptive parents. Throughout, Nancy maintained a positive attitude with a big and hearty laugh! She will be sorely missed."

Nancy was a member of the inaugural women's basketball and softball teams at Portland St. Patrick High School. That first softball team was coached by her father, Dick Willemin and Bob Hirschman. Throughout her adult life, Nancy was an avid supporter of women’s basketball, volleyball, and soccer.

She is preceded in death by her father, Richard Willemin and survived by her mother, Ellen Willemin-Lentz and brothers, Ralph (Mary), Steve (Luann), Tom (Sherri), and lifelong friend, Liz Martin. Also surviving are her Aunt Janice Trierweiler, along with nieces and nephews Brock (Jackie) Willemin, Brittany (David) Germaine, Jessica Willemin, Cody (Breonna) Willemin, Sara (Mark) Carnahan, Erin (Kevin) Sharp, Tangela (Jacob) Luckey, 14 great nieces and nephews all of whom she loved to spend time with, as well as longtime friends from the MAC and Spartan Athletics.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 26th at Lehman Funeral Home in Portland, MI from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a rosary recited at 7:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 27th at St. Gerard Catholic Church in Lansing at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.